Usage & Type 

Use an ordered item list if you want to represent items in a certain predefined sequence, for example, a ranking. Use an unordered list if there is no predefined item order.

Figure 1a-b: Ordered item list (left) and unordered item list (right)

 

See also List Box – Usage & Type for details when to use dropdown list box, list box, item list and table view.

 

Usage

Use item lists whenever you want to present a list of items in an unobtrusive way, where reading is the primary usage and where there is - apart from links - no interaction on the list elements.

Lists have the following characteristics:

·        List items are read-only.

·        List items may contain links.

·        Item lists do not scroll. Therefore make sure that all list items fit the iView!

·        Item lists consist of one column only; for multiple columns include the lists in an HTML table with one row and several columns (2-3) or use a table view.

·        Lists may be ordered (numbers) or unordered (bullets).

·        Lists may be nested; do not use more than 2-3 levels!

 

Description - Label or Heading

Item lists may have a label or heading. A descriptive label may be placed above or to the left of the item list, a heading should typically be placed above the item list.

Use the label control for both labels and headings. Note that the label control allows to set font attributes in order to emphasize headings.

Figure 2: Item list with a heading

 

Types

There are two types of item lists, an unordered or bullet list, and an ordered or numbered list. Both types are set using the Boolean attribute ordered: ordered = TRUE renders a numbered list, ordered = FALSE a bullet list.

 

Usage - Types

Use an ordered item list if you want to present items in a certain predefined sequence, for example, a ranking. Use an unordered list if there is no predefined item order.

 

Related Controls

Table View, Text View, Link, Listbox, Label